Planning Commission - 01/23/1995 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
January 23, 1995
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy
Foote, Katherine Kardell, Douglas
Sandstad, Edward Schlampp, Mary
Jane Wissner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Matthew Mahoney
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner
Elinda Bahley, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Katherine Kardell. All
members were present.
H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
•
MOTION: Wissner moved, seconded by Clinton, to approve the Agenda as
published. Motion carried 7-0-0.
M. MINUTES
MOTION: Sandstad moved, seconded by Foote, to approve the Minutes of
January 9, 1995 as published. Motion carried 7-0-0.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. BIRDIE'S SPORTS PARK by Parvest, Inc. Request for Comprehensive
Guide Plan Change from High Density Residential to Regional Commercial on
2.2 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to Commercial Regional Service
on 2.2 acres and Site Plan Review on 2.2 acres. Location: Lot 1, Block 1,
Fountain Place Apartments.
Franzen stated that this property is located near the post office and the
Fountain Place Apartments. It has been guided for high density residential for
30 years. It is a remnant piece from Fountain Place. He noted that he has
been working with Ty Ritter and Parvest Incorporated for 6 months. They
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have been looking for sites all over Eden Prairie. This is the first piece of
property that seemed to work out well for their plan.
Franzen introduced Ty Ritter of Parvest Incorporated.
Ty Ritter, representing Parvest Incorporated, reviewed his project with the
Planning Commission using visual aids. He stated that the purpose of their
development is to provide outdoor entertainment for families at an affordable
price. Miniature golf and batting cages are a lot of fun for families, and for
kids on baseball teams that need to practice. There are not going to be any
video arcades for kids to hang around at because they want the family
business. The club house is designed for people to come in and pay, and
maybe to get a soda or popcorn, and that's it. In a community like Eden
Prairie it's very important to them to have a very high image for their product,
and their product is their miniature golf course.
Miniature golf courses are much more common on the east coast, so they
contacted a New Jersey firm called, Harrison Miniature Golf, to come in for 2
weeks and plan their golf course. They will come in and build an upscale
miniature golf course which is unlike the courses of years ago. Some of the
holes are 40 or 50 yards so it will be very challenging. The amount of
flowers and landscaping they will be using will be very aesthetically pleasing.
It will very much be a garden atmosphere with ponds, waterfalls and bridges.
To screen Fountain Place Apartments from the light and noise, they have done
a significant amount of large pine trees and other trees. It's relatively well
screened. They are a seasonal business with hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
weeknights during the summer, and one extra hour on the weekends. During
the fall, their lights will only be open at the most for one hour because it gets
dark quickly and gets cold very fast. They will be open from April 1st
through October 31st, depending on the weather. Their real season is
basically from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The lights are really not
that bright and will not have any impact on the surrounding apartments.
Ritter played a short video tape from Harrison Miniature Golf, for the
Planning Commission, depicting what the intended miniature golf course will
look like.
Sandstad asked if it is a 9 hole or an 18 hole course. Ritter replied that it's 18
holes.
Clinton asked for the locations of their other properties. Ritter replied that
they purchased an amusement park family center this past year in Ramsey, and
they have one in Wisconsin similar to this plan.
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Clinton asked how long this takes to be done. Ritter replied that Harrison's
typical schedule is that they bring a crew in with 20 men and it takes about 2
weeks for them to lay the brick down and the cement. After Harrison leaves,
they still have to do the parking lot and the landscaping. The whole project
should take approximately 6 weeks.
Mahoney asked what the cost will be to families. Ritter replied that the cost
for adults to play miniature golf would be $ 4.00 to $ 5.00, and children
between $ 2.50 and $ 3.50. The cost for the batting cage will be $ 1.00.
They will be doing extensive advertising with coupons for the public.
Sandstad expressed concern about the safety of pedestrians crossing 169 to
enjoy miniature golf. Franzen replied that it is dangerous to be a pedestrian
and cross 169 at Anderson Lake Parkway because the intersection is large and
signal time is short. He said that anybody coming from that side will want to
be driven there.
Sandstad asked if there is any room for signals at the intersection of Fountain
Place and 169. Franzen replied that it doesn't meet signals warranted. He
said that once 212 is built, and more so when County Road 18 is upgraded and
finished to 494, that is going to reduce the traffic by about 1/3 of it's current
volume.
• Wissner asked if the location of the 2 acres on the plans is more towards the
post office. Franzen replied that's correct. He said that the site that's
between the post office and this site is guided Office.
Wissner expressed concern that the name is very deceiving by using the words
"sports park". Ritter replied that they don't want to limit themselves to
miniature golf because they want to incorporate the batting cages. They want
to express a fun place to come to. He said "sports park" is a name that is
becoming very popular now.
Wissner asked if that's the final name. Ritter replied that it's not yet final.
Clinton stated that the video talked about landscaping to be attractive from the
highway. He asked if they see that being much of a problem since that is a
high accident prone location. Ritter replied that he really hasn't thought much
about it. He said that their sign is going to be visible enough from the road
that you would see the sign and know it's there. Once the daily commuters
see it once, they will have no reason to look down at it again. He certainly
does not feel it's going to cause any accidents.
Kardell asked about the music or sound system. Ritter replied that there are 2
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types of speakers they use. The plan is for ground speakers on the ground,
is and to put 4 or 5 around different holes. The other type is to be put on the
lamp posts. He said it will be basically background music, not like playing a
stereo.
Kardell asked what type of music will be played. Ritter replied that they
usually play an easy listening radio station.
Kardell asked about the competition in surrounding areas like the course near
Valleyfair. Ritter replied that their course will be very elaborate, but not as
elaborate as the one by Valleyfair. They are going to have waterfalls, little
bridges, and ponds that are going to be very beautiful.
Kardell asked if anything is planned for the extension of Columbine Road.
Franzen replied that there is a recommendation for connection between
Anderson Lakes Parkway, to Wal-Mart's southern entrance near Green Mill.
Sandstad suggested adding a condition about the sound levels at the property
line, with a typical limit of 50 decimals, and a basic line that would not be
offensive to residential property. The sound should not bother anyone 50 feet
away.
• Franzen reviewed the Staff Report with the Planning Commission. He noted
that there is a letter in the packets from CSM Corporation, the company that
manages Fountain Place Apartments. CSM does not feel that a miniature golf
course would negatively impact their ability to lease their apartments. Staff
has lowered the lighting standard to 20 feet, 10 feet lower than the normal
commercial lighting standard. The light level in the parking lot will not be
any brighter than what you would see at the post office at night. There are
conditions in the Staff Report which are highlighted under the variance section
that make unique circumstances for this site, and for outdoor recreational use.
Staff's recommendation is for approval based upon the Staff Report and the
plans in the packet.
Schlampp asked how many foot candles will this be for the lighting. Franzen
replied 4 foot candles.
Schlampp expressed concern that he didn't think this would be enough
lighting. He asked if 1 to 3 foot candles was an error. Franzen replied that
that's at the perimeter of the site.
Ritter noted that Harrison said that 10 is the most they have ever seen, and
that is very, very bright.
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Kardell asked if there would be any possibility that they would be back to
make it a 36 hole course. Ritter replied that they have thought about it. The
way they have it laid out on the site, they would not be able to add another 18
holes. Their only option is to purchase something next to them and expand it.
At this point, land costs in the area is too expensive to make that happen.
Sandstad expressed concerns about pedestrians walking along 169 and asked if
any of the other Commissioners shared his concerns.
Kardell expressed concerns about the traffic issue versus the pedestrian issue.
Ritter stated one of the reasons they like this location is the proximity to the
trails and the developments behind the apartments. The golf course can be
reached from those locations by side streets, and they do have a bicycle rack
for kids who ride their bikes over.
Sandstad stated that he likes the Guide Plan change, but he is very concerned
about the pedestrians.
Bauer stated that it's a good idea, but he is not comfortable to suggest
sidewalks along the highway.
MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Bauer, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 7-0-0.
MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Bauer, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Parvest, Inc. for Comprehensive Guide Plan
Change from High Density Residential to Regional Commercial on 2.2 acres
based on plans dated January 18, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of
the Staff Report dated January 20, 1995 as amended: the sound to be limited
to 50 VBA level. Motion carried 7-0-0.
MOTION 3: Wissner moved, seconded by Bauer, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Parvest, Inc. for Zoning District Change
from Rural to Commercial Regional Service on 2.2 acres based on plans dated
January 18, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report
dated January 20, 1995 as amended: the sound to be limited to 50 VBA level.
Motion carried 7-0-0.
MOTION 4: Wissner moved, seconded by Bauer, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Parvest, Inc. for Site Plan Review on 2.2
acres based on plans dated January 18, 1995, and subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 20, 1995 as amended: the
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sound to be limited to 50 VBA level. Motion carried 7-0-0.
V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
None.
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
Foote expressed concern about Eden Prairie Ford parking their vehicles in a
restricted area. Franzen replied that Staff received a call from the Watershed
District about used cars being parked close to the wetland. These cars are no
longer there. Jean Johnson talked to Ford about the property and was told that
they have an agreement with Menards to park in their lot temporarily while
their service building gets built.
Mahoney stated that the majority of the cars are employee cars.
VH. NEW BUSINESS
Franzen discussed the workshop session as an informal discussion type meeting
to take place on Monday, January 30, 1995, at 7:00 p.m., with the Parks
Commission. He said the intent is to solicit comments and feedback from
Council and Commission members regarding the tree preservation ordinance,
• and the possible establishment of a neighborhood environmental watch
program. He welcomed all the Commissioners to attend.
VHL PLANNERS'S REPORTS
Franzen noted that at the February 13th meeting, the items to be reviewed will
be the Bearpath clubhouse project, a 2 lot subdivision in Bryant Point, Boulder
Ridge which is a proposal for single family homes and townhomes. He said
there will be a neighborhood meeting in the Heritage Room on February 2,
1995 concerning the Boulder Ridge project.
A. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Schlampp, to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 7-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
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AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, January 23, 1995
187:00 p.m.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote, Katherine Kardell,
Douglas Sandstad, Edward Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Matthew Mahoney
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL
H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M. MINUTES
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. BIRDIE'S SPORTS PARK by Parvest Inc. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change
from High Density Residential to Regional Commercial on 2.2 acres, Zoning District Change
from Rural to Commercial Regional Service on 2.2 acres and Site Plan Review on 2.2 acres.
Location: Lot 1, Block 1, Fountain Place Apartments.
• V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VII. NEW BUSINESS
VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS
IX. ADJOURNMENT